Police in tragedy payout

The family of a woman who killed herself and her disabled daughter after years of harassment by a gang have settled a claim against a police force.

Leicestershire Police confirmed a civil action brought by the family of Fiona Pilkington had been settled out of court.

Ms Pilkington and her 18-year-old daughter Francecca Hardwick were found dead in a burnt-out car in October 2007. They had complained to police 33 times after being harassed by youths in their home in Leicestershire.

The amount of the settlement has not been disclosed but is reported to be a five-figure sum.

Chief Constable Simon Cole said: “This is a tragic case and I felt that it was the right thing to do to, for everyone concerned, to draw a line under the litigation.”